Methods and apparatus to detect external environmental conditions associated with a mobile electronic device

ABSTRACT

An example method includes determining, by executing an instruction with a processor, whether environmental condition data collected by a plurality of sensors of a mobile device complies with an environmental condition rule. The environmental condition rule including environmental thresholds associated with the environmental condition data, and the environmental condition data being representative of external conditions. The method includes when the environmental condition data does not comply with the environmental condition rule: determining, by executing an instruction with the processor, a level of severity of at least one of the external conditions which does not comply with the environmental condition rule; and in response to determining the level of severity does not satisfy a severity threshold, informing a user of the mobile device of the at least one of the external conditions; and in response to determining the level of severity satisfies the severity threshold, informing a third-party of the at least one of the external conditions absent input from the user of the mobile device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/432,354, entitled, “Methods and Apparatus to Sense and ProtectAgainst Liquid in Contact with a Mobile Electronic Device,” filed Feb.14, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,200,074), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/566,093, entitled, “Mobile ElectronicDevices and Methods of Protection from Shock, Radiation andEnvironmental Particulates,” filed Dec. 10, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,621,215), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/736,733, entitled, “Methods and apparatus to perform self-protectionprocedures on electronic devices,” filed Jan. 8, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,952,809). Priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/432,354,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/566,093 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/736,733 is claimed. U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/432,354, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/566,093 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/736,733 are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their respective entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, moreparticularly, to systems and methods for monitoring electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Many mobile devices include a sensor within the housings of the mobiledevices to determine when the mobile devices have been exposed toliquids (e.g., to determine when the mobile devices have gotten wet).Such sensors may change colors (e.g., the sensors may change from whiteto red) when liquids come into contact with the sensors. Such colorchanges alert service providers when liquids have breached housings ofthe mobile devices, thus affecting whether device warranties for themobile devices are still valid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system implemented in accordance with theteachings of this disclosure to monitor an electronic device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of an example mobile deviceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram representative of example machine readableinstructions that may be executed to monitor the example mobile deviceof FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is another flow diagram representative of example machinereadable instructions that may be executed to monitor for liquids thatcome into contact with the example mobile device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is another flow diagram representative of example machinereadable instructions that may be executed to monitor external andinternal temperatures of the example mobile device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processor platform that may beused to execute the instructions of FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 5 to implementthe example mobile device of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Many electronic devices such as mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones,tablets, etc.), personal alarm systems, etc. are prone to damage and/orinoperability due to the nature or fragility of various components ofthe electronic devices. While after-market protective cases may beemployed to provide some protection from damage for some electronicdevices, such cases are often ineffective to prevent exposure to and/ordamage from all environmental conditions that the electronic devicecould encounter. Exposure to some environmental conditions may damageequipment and/or components, may decrease performance, and/or may causedata loss in the electronic devices.

Mobile devices often include a sensor to determine when the mobiledevices have come into contact with liquids (e.g., the sensor changescolor when the sensor has gotten wet). However, such sensors alertpersons to the existence of liquids at the mobile devices withoutprotecting the mobiles devices from damage.

Example methods, apparatus, systems, and/or computer-readable storagemedia disclosed herein enable electronic devices to monitorenvironmental conditions that could affect the electronic devices, andto respond when such environmental conditions impact performance and/oroperability of the electronic devices. In the illustrated examples,environmental conditions include external elements such as pressurelevels, temperature levels, humidity levels, explosive atmospheres, highacceleration, shock, vibration, light or ultraviolet (UV) exposure,radiation, environmental toxicity levels, electrical potential, foreignsubstances such as liquids, fungus, salt, sand, dust, etc. In someexamples, such external elements may come into contact with a deviceand/or breach a housing of the device. Examples disclosed herein enableelectronic devices to identify negative or adverse environmentalconditions, to alert users of the electronic devices of such adverseenvironmental conditions, to protect the mobile devices (e.g., fromdamage or decreased performance) from the environmental conditions,and/or to alert other parties (e.g., service carriers) of the presenceof such adverse environmental conditions.

In some examples, sensors are located at a plurality of locations onand/or in an electronic device (e.g., a mobile device) to monitorenvironmental conditions. In some examples, the electronic deviceincludes components to alert a user of the environmental conditionsand/or includes dynamically activatable coverings, seals, or protectiveelements to prevent and/or substantially reduce damage to the mobiledevice from the environmental conditions.

In some examples, sensors detect liquids (e.g., liquids in contact withthe electronic device) outside of an electronic device, at ports of theelectronic device, and at electronic components in the electronicdevice. In this manner, when the different sensors located at differentparts of the electronic device detect liquid, the electronic device canprovide different levels of alerts to a user of the electronic devicevia audio messages and/or a display such as “Hey, I'm getting wet,” “I'mgetting wet inside,” “My electronics are now wet, I'm shutting downnow,” etc. In some examples, the electronic device includes dynamicallyactivatable components and/or seals capable of preventing and/orsubstantially reducing damage to the electronic device by swelling ormoving to close off ports of the electronic device. In some examples,the electronic device notifies a service provider when the electronicdevice has been exposed to liquids. In some examples, the electronicdevice shuts down to prevent further damage to the electronic devicethat could be caused by further exposure to the invading liquid.

In some examples, sensors detect temperatures outside of an electronicdevice, behind a display of the electronic device, and at electroniccomponents in the electronic device. In some such examples, whentemperatures detected at different locations of the electronic devicemay potentially damage the electronic device (e.g., the temperature istoo hot), the electronic device may provide different levels of alertsto a user of the electronic device via audio messages and/or a displaysuch as “It's hot out here, please take me somewhere cool” (e.g., whenthe temperature outside the electronic device is approaching a maximumexternal operating temperature), “Approaching thermal limits, slowingdown performance” (e.g., when the temperature behind the display isapproaching a maximum internal operating temperature), “Above safethermal limits, I'm shutting down now” (e.g., when internal componenttemperatures are approaching a maximum component operating temperature),etc. In some examples, the electronic device includes components (e.g.,synthetic heat-dissipating hairs or fibers) capable of preventing and/orsubstantially reducing heat-related damage to the electronic device bydissipating heat away from the mobile device. For example, to begin acooling process, the heat-dissipating hairs or fibers may be dynamicallyactivated (e.g., raised) during operation of the electronic device whenexcessive heat is detected outside and/or within the electronic device.In some examples, the electronic device slows down processor speed(s)and/or speed(s) at which tasks/operations are processed to decrease theamount of heat generated by the device and prevent and/or substantiallyreduce damage to the electronic device. In some examples, the electronicdevice notifies a service provider when the electronic device has beenexposed to unsafe operating temperatures. In some examples, theelectronic device shuts down to prevent further damage to the electronicdevice that could be caused by further exposure to the unsafe operatingtemperatures while in an operating state.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device detectradiation and the electronic device provides alerts to a user of theelectronic device via audio messages and/or a display such as “Somethingnearby is generating radiation, please move me away,” “Radiationdetected, shutting down” etc. In some examples, the electronic deviceincludes components formed of radiation-sensitive materials capable ofchanging colors to alert the user of the detected radiation. In someexamples, the electronic device notifies a service provider when theelectronic device has been exposed to radiation. In some examples, theelectronic device shuts down to prevent and/or substantially reducedamage to the electronic device that could be caused by further exposureto the radiation while operating.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device detectextreme acceleration and/or motion. In some examples, the electronicdevice includes dynamically activatable components and/or coveringscapable of swelling to absorb shock from the electronic device impactinga surface at an excessive force.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device detectsounds such as snoring, glass breaking, etc. In some such examples, whensuch sounds are detected, the electronic device provides alerts to auser of the electronic device via audio messages and/or a display suchas “Wake up, you are snoring,” “Wake up, unusual noise detected,” etc.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device detectweather conditions. For example, the electronic device may be providedwith a barometric pressure sensor to detect, predict, or forecast rain,storm, or clear conditions. In some such examples, when particularweather conditions are detected, the electronic device provides alertsto a user of the electronic device via audio messages and/or a displaysuch as “It's supposed to rain in an hour,” etc.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device detect achange in ambient air pressure (e.g., possibly indicating a door orwindow opening). In some such examples, when such a change is detected,the electronic device provides alerts to a user of the electronic devicevia audio messages and/or a display such as “Wake up, door or windowopened,” etc. In some examples, the electronic device provides a promptto the user to notify a service provider, an emergency responder (e.g.,police), etc. when the electronic device detects such a change inambient air pressure. For example, the electronic device may provide analert to the user such as “Door or window opened, call police?” The usermay select to call the police (e.g., if the user suspects that anintrusion in the user's home is in progress) and the electronic deviceinitiates such a call.

In some examples, one or more sensors on an electronic device identifyparticulates or toxicity levels in an environment surrounding theelectronic device. When such particulates of toxicity levels aredetected, the electronic device provides alerts to a user of theelectronic device via audio messages and/or a display such as “Toxicenvironment detected,” etc. In some examples, the electronic deviceprovides a notification to a service provider of the detectedparticulates or toxicity levels. In some examples, the electronic deviceincludes dynamically activatable components, seals, and/or coveringscapable of swelling or actuating to protect the electronic device fromdamage that could be caused by further exposure to the detectedparticulates or toxicity levels. In some examples, the electronic deviceprovides a prompt to the user to notify a service provider, an emergencyresponder (e.g., an ambulance), etc. when the electronic device detectssuch particulates or toxicity levels. For example, the electronic devicemay provide an alert to the user such as “Toxic environment detected,call for help?” The user may select to call for help, and the electronicdevice initiates such a call.

Disclosed example methods involve determining whether environmentalcondition data collected by a plurality of sensors of a mobile devicecomplies with an environmental condition rule comprising thresholdsassociated with the environmental condition data. The environmentalcondition data is representative of external elements detected by thesensors. The example methods include informing a user of the mobiledevice of an environmental condition associated with the environmentalcondition data when the environmental condition data does not complywith the environmental condition rule. The example methods includeperforming a self-protecting procedure via the mobile device. Theself-protecting procedure defined in the environmental condition rule isto protect the mobile device from the environmental condition when theenvironmental condition data does not comply with the environmentalcondition rule.

Disclosed example apparatus include a memory storing machine readableinstructions and a processor to execute the instructions to determinewhether environmental condition data collected by a plurality of sensorsof a mobile device complies with an environmental condition rulecomprising thresholds associated with the environmental condition data.The environmental condition data is representative of external elementsdetected by the sensors. The example apparatus is to inform a user ofthe mobile device of an environmental condition associated with theenvironmental condition data when the environmental condition data doesnot comply with the environmental condition rule and perform aself-protecting procedure defined in the environmental condition rulewhen the environmental condition data does not comply with theenvironmental condition rule. The self-protecting procedure is toprotect the mobile device from the environmental condition.

Disclosed example tangible machine readable media store instructionswhich, when executed, cause a machine to perform a method that includesdetermining whether environmental condition data collected by aplurality of sensors of a mobile device complies with an environmentalcondition rule comprising thresholds associated with the environmentalcondition data. The environmental condition data is representative ofexternal elements detected by the sensors. The example method includesinforming a user of the mobile device of an environmental conditionassociated with the environmental condition data when the environmentalcondition data does not comply with the environmental condition rule.The example method includes performing a self-protecting proceduredefined in the environmental condition rule when the environmentalcondition data does not comply with the environmental condition rule.The self-protecting procedure is to protect the mobile device from theenvironmental condition.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 including an example mobiledevice 102 with an example monitoring manager 104 to provideenvironmental monitoring and alerting. In the example of FIG. 1, themonitoring manager 104 monitors environmental conditions within anenvironment 106 surrounding the mobile device 102 and a user 108 of themobile device 102. The monitoring manager 104 of the illustrated exampledetects negative environmental conditions in the environment 106 andalerts the user 108 of the negative environmental conditions. In someexamples, the monitoring manager 104 implements protection processes toprotect the mobile device 102 from continued exposure to adverseenvironmental conditions (e.g., by performing self-protectingprocedures) and/or provides alerts to additional parties (e.g., aservice provider 110, an emergency responder 112, etc.) of such adverseenvironmental conditions.

Although the monitoring manager 104 of the illustrated example isimplemented within the mobile device 102, the monitoring manager 104 maybe incorporated within and/or used in connection with other electronicdevices (e.g., personal computers (PCs), speakers, tablets,manufacturing devices, process control devices, etc.). The mobile device102 of the illustrated example may be a smart phone, a tablet device, amobile computer, a global position system (GPS) unit, a watch, or anyother mobile device. Although examples disclosed herein are described inconnection with the mobile device 102, such disclosed examples may beimplemented in connection with any other type of electronic deviceincluding stationary devices (e.g., stationary computers, servers,automobile computers, etc.).

The mobile device 102 of the illustrated example includes a plurality ofsensors 114. The sensors 114 of the illustrated example are located atdifferent locations in and outside of the mobile device 102 to monitorenvironmental conditions that could adversely affect the operation ofthe mobile device 102. In the illustrated example, some of the sensors114 inside the mobile device 102 are located behind a display 116 of themobile device 102. In the illustrated example, some of the sensors 114inside the mobile device 102 are located at internal electronics (notshown) of the mobile device 102. For example, some of the sensors 114could be adhered to one or more integrated circuit components usingepoxy, and/or some of the sensors 114 could be integrally formed intoone or more of the integrated circuit components. In the illustratedexample, some of the sensors 114 outside the mobile device 102 arelocated at external ports and/or openings (not shown) of the mobiledevice 102. Such external ports or openings could be, for example, aheadphone port, a power port, an accessory port, a microphone opening, aspeaker opening, etc. In the illustrated example, some of the sensors114 outside the mobile device 102 are located at buttons (or keys) 118of the mobile device 102. Any number and/or locations of sensors 114 maybe used to monitor environmental conditions within the environment 106(e.g., outside and/or in the mobile device 102).

The sensors 114 may monitor different environmental conditions such as apresence of liquids (e.g., water), barometric pressure, weatherconditions (e.g., rain, storms, clear conditions, etc.) air pressure,temperature, humidity, explosive atmospheric conditions, acceleration,shock, vibration, light or ultraviolet (UV) light, radiation, toxicitylevels, hazardous chemicals, electrical potential, snoring, presence offoreign particulates or abrasives (e.g., salt, sand, dust, fungus), etc.The types, quantity, and/or locations of sensors 114 on the mobiledevice 102 may be determined based on, for example, types of uses of themobile device 102. In some examples, the mobile device 102 includessensors 114 to monitor for barometric pressure, air pressure,temperature, humidity, shock, presence of liquids, and/or snoring whenthe mobile device 102 is used by a member of the general public forday-to-day communication purposes. The mobile device 102 may furtherinclude sensors 114 to monitor explosive atmospheric conditions,acceleration, vibration, light or UV light, radiation, hazardouschemicals, electrical potential, and/or for the presence of foreignparticulates or abrasives when the mobile device 102 is used by, forexample, a field worker or engineer in a manufacturing environment.

The sensors 114 of the illustrated example collect data related to suchenvironmental conditions for analysis by the monitoring manager 104. Toanalyze data collected by the sensors 114, the monitoring manager 104 ofthe illustrated example uses environmental condition rules.Environmental condition rules of the illustrated example specifyacceptable thresholds or limits for the different environmentalconditions in which the mobile device 102 may operate. For example, theenvironmental condition rules specify particular thresholds forenvironmental conditions and how the mobile device 102 is to respondwhen such thresholds are met or exceeded. The monitoring manager 104 ofthe illustrated example compares data collected by the sensors 114 tocorresponding environmental condition rules to determine whether any ofthe collected data meets or exceeds thresholds specified in the rules.

In the illustrated example, the environmental condition rules specifyhow the monitoring manager 104 and/or the mobile device 102 is/are torespond based on different levels of severity of the environmentalconditions. In some examples, if the environmental conditions are lesssevere, the monitoring manager 104 provides a warning to the user 108 ofthe conditions detected by the sensors 114. The monitoring manager 104of the illustrated example provides a warning via an audio messageand/or a visual message output via the display 116. The warning providedby the monitoring manager 104 may allow the user 108 to take actions toprevent and/or substantially reduce damage to the mobile device 102, forexample, by mitigating exposure of the mobile device 102 to theenvironmental conditions detected by the sensors 114 and by themonitoring manager 104.

In some examples, if the environmental conditions detected by thesensors 114 and by the monitoring manager 104 are more severe, themonitoring manager 104 enables the mobile device 102 to performself-protecting procedures. In some examples, a self-protectingprocedure involves the monitoring manager 104 decreasing processorspeeds and/or the speeds at which tasks or operations are processed atthe mobile device 102 and/or shutting down the mobile device 102. Insome examples, the mobile device 102 includes a plurality of defensiveelements 120 to protect self-protecting procedures. The defensiveelements 120 of the illustrated example include different dynamicallyactivatable devices, procedures, seals (e.g., physical seals), and/orcoverings that the monitoring manager 104 can use to protect the mobiledevice 102 in response to detecting potentially damaging environmentalconditions. In some examples, the defensive elements 120 comprise one ormore electronically stimulatable seals and/or coverings at one or morelocations (e.g., external ports or openings) of the mobile device 102.In some examples, such electronically stimulatable seals and/orcoverings mimic aspects of mammal skin based on biomimicry (e.g.,covering may include synthetic sensory receptors, synthetic olfactoryreceptors, synthetic hair or fibers, etc. and/or facilitatediscoloration, swelling, goose bumps, etc.). In some such examples, thedefensive elements 120 enable the seals and/or coverings to swell toreact to liquids, air pressure, explosive atmosphere, shock, vibration,etc. detected by the sensors 114. In some examples, the seals swell whenliquid is detected by the sensors 114 to cover ports of the mobiledevice 102 through which liquid may enter the mobile device 102. In someexamples, the seals are liquid activated in that they swell by absorbingliquid like a sponge. In such examples, in addition to absorbing theliquid, the swelling action causes the seals to seal corresponding portsor openings of the mobile device 102 to prevent any further liquid fromentering the mobile device 102. In some examples, the coverings changecolors (e.g., show bruises) in response to shock detected by the sensors114. These color changes may be used to inform users and/or servicedepartments of service carriers where impacts occurred on the mobiledevice 102. In some examples, the covering changes colors (e.g., shows atan effect) in response to UV light detected by the sensors 114. Thesecolor changes may be used to inform users and/or service departments ofservice carriers of UV light exposure at the mobile device 102. In someexamples, the defensive elements 120 include filaments or fibers (e.g.,synthetic hairs) that are dynamically activatable to dissipate heat awayfrom the mobile device 102 when one or more temperatures measured by thesensors 114 exceed(s) one or more threshold(s). Any number and/or typeof defensive elements 120 may be incorporated into the mobile device102. The defensive elements 120 may be incorporated into a singlecovering or component for the mobile device 102 or may be implemented asmultiple separate coverings or components on the mobile device 102. Insome examples, the defensive elements 120 are replaceable if damaged bythe environmental conditions in the environment 106 (e.g., a seal may bereplaced after liquid is detected and the seal swells to absorb theliquid and/or to close off ports of the mobile device 102).

In some examples, if the environmental conditions detected by themonitoring manager 104 are more severe, the monitoring manager 104notifies a third-party (e.g., the service provider 110, the emergencyresponder 112, etc.) of the severe environmental conditions. Thenotification includes information describing the environmentalconditions affecting the mobile device 102 and/or information describingactions taken by the mobile device 102 and/or the user 108 in responseto the environmental conditions. In some examples, the monitoringmanager 104 includes a location of the mobile device 102 with thenotification. The monitoring manager 104 may determine the location ofthe mobile device 102 using any suitable technique (e.g., a globalpositioning system (GPS)).

In some examples, the service provider 110 provides communicationservices to the mobile device 102. In some examples, the monitoringmanager 104 notifies the service provider 110 of severe environmentalconditions, and the service provider 110 stores a log of thenotifications. In some examples, the service provider 110 uses thenotification information to determine warranty information and/or repairservices available for the mobile device 102. In some examples, if theservice provider 110 receives a notification that the mobile device 102is no longer operational due to damage from severe environmentalconditions, the service provider 110 may automatically ship a new mobiledevice (e.g., similar or identical to the mobile device 102) to ashipping address associated with the user 108.

In some examples, the monitoring manager 104 notifies the emergencyresponder 112 of severe environmental conditions when the severeenvironmental conditions present a potential health risk to the user 108of the mobile device 102 (e.g., when an explosive atmosphere orhazardous chemicals are detected by the monitoring manager 104). In someexamples, the monitoring manager 104 notifies the emergency responder112 of severe environmental conditions and the emergency responder 112dispatches emergency services to the location associated with the mobiledevice 102 to provide assistance to the user 108.

The mobile device 102 of the illustrated example communicates with theservice provider 110 and/or the emergency responder 112 via a network122. The network 122 may be implemented using any suitable communicationinterface including, for example, one or more of telephone lines, acable system, a satellite system, a cellular communication system,alternating current (AC) power lines, the Internet, a radio frequency(RF) transceiver tower, etc. Although the illustrated example includesthe service provider 110 and the emergency responder 112, the monitoringmanager 104 and/or the mobile device 102 may contact any other person,third-party or service in response to environmental conditions detectedby the monitoring manager 104. In some examples, the user 108 mayspecify an emergency contact (e.g., a family member, a relative, anemployer, a medical professional, etc.) that should be notified.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the mobiledevice 102 of FIG. 1. As described above, the monitoring manager 104 ofthe illustrated example monitors environmental conditions of anenvironment (e.g., the environment 106 of FIG. 1) in which the mobiledevice 102 and a user (e.g., the user 108 of FIG. 1) of the mobiledevice 102 are located. When the monitoring manager 104 of theillustrated example detects that environmental conditions may adverselyaffect (or are adversely affecting) components, performance and/oroperation of the mobile device 102, the monitoring manager 104 alertsthe user 108 of the environmental conditions, enables the mobile device102 to perform self-protecting processes to protect itself from theenvironmental conditions, and/or alerts additional parties (e.g., theservice provider 110 of FIG. 1, the emergency responder 112 of FIG. 1,etc.) of the environmental conditions. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobiledevice 102 includes the sensors 114 and the monitoring manager 104 ofFIG. 1, an example database 202, and example outputs 204. As shown inFIG. 2, the outputs 204 include an example speaker 206, an examplemessenger 208, an example defensive controller 210, and the display 116.In the illustrated example, the outputs 204 also include the defensiveelements 120 of FIG. 1.

The sensors 114 of the illustrated example monitor environmentalconditions in the environment 106 in which the mobile device 102 and theuser 108 are located, and collect data associated with the environmentalconditions. The sensors 114 may include any type of sensing device tocollect data associated with such environmental conditions. For example,the sensors 114 may include thermal sensors, pressure sensors,inductance sensors, accelerometers, cameras, antennas, microphones, etc.Types of sensors 114 for use in the mobile device 102 may be selectedbased on use types of the mobile device 102. For example, the mobiledevice 102 may include more sensors 114 to provide for increasedfunctionality and monitoring capabilities to suit differentenvironments. For example, the mobile device 102 may need differentenvironmental monitoring capabilities if used in an industrialenvironment than if used in an office environment. Fewer or differentsensors 114 may be included in the mobile device 102 to facilitate lessextensive monitoring of the environment 106 when, for example, themobile device 102 is intended for general consumer use rather than usein extreme industrial conditions. In the illustrated example, thedatabase 202 stores environmental condition data collected by thesensors 114 and provides the data to the monitoring manager 104 foranalysis.

The monitoring manager 104 of the illustrated example analyzesenvironmental condition data collected by the sensors 114 to detect ifenvironmental conditions in the environment 106 may adversely affectcomponents, performance, and/or operation of the mobile device 102. Toanalyze the environmental condition data collected by the sensors 114,the monitoring manager 104 of the illustrated example compares the datato environmental condition rules stored at the database 202.

Environmental condition rules define or describe acceptable thresholdsor limits for the environmental conditions in which the mobile device102 may operate. In examples disclosed herein, an environmentalcondition is outside or beyond an acceptable threshold when theenvironmental condition is equal to or greater than (e.g., exceeded) amaximum threshold (e.g., a maximum temperature, a maximum atmosphericpressure, etc.) or when the environmental condition is less than orequal to (e.g., fallen below) a minimum threshold (e.g., a minimumtemperature, a minimum atmospheric pressure, etc.). The acceptablethresholds or limits defined in the environmental condition rules may beset automatically (e.g., prior to distribution of the mobile device 102)and/or may be set by a user (e.g., the user 108). In some examples, theacceptable thresholds or limits defined in the environmental conditionrules correspond to thresholds or limits set by a standards board ororganization (e.g., the thresholds or limits may correspond to operatingrequirements of consumer-grade products, commercial-grade products,and/or military-grade products). In some examples, there are one or moreenvironmental condition rules for each of the environmental conditionsmonitored by the sensors 114. For example, if the sensors 114 monitortemperature and for a presence of liquids at the mobile device 102, thedatabase 202 stores one or more environmental condition rules associatedwith temperature and stores one or more environmental condition rulesassociated with the presence of liquids. The environmental conditionrules specify particular acceptable thresholds for environmentalconditions and how the mobile device 102 is to respond when theenvironmental conditions are outside or beyond the acceptablethresholds.

In the illustrated example, the environmental condition rules specifyhow the monitoring manager 104 and/or the mobile device 102 is torespond (e.g., using the various outputs 204) based on different levelsof severity of the environmental conditions. In some examples, theenvironmental condition rules define a plurality of thresholds andcorresponding actions to be performed or initiated by the monitoringmanager 104 when environmental conditions are beyond the respectivethresholds. In some examples, the environmental condition rules specifythat the monitoring manager 104 is to alert the user 108 via the outputs204 when one or more of the environmental conditions is/are at or beyondone or more first thresholds. In some examples, the environmentalcondition rules specify that the monitoring manager 104 is to implementself-protecting procedures to protect the mobile device 102 via theoutputs 204 when one or more of the environmental conditions meet(s) oris beyond one or more second thresholds. In some examples, theenvironmental condition rules specify that the monitoring manager 104 isto notify a third-party (e.g., the service provider 110, the emergencyresponder 112, etc.) of the environmental conditions via the outputs 204when one or more of the environmental conditions meet(s) or is beyondone or more third thresholds.

The speaker 206 of the illustrated example is used by the monitoringmanager 104 to output an audio warning to inform the user 108 of theenvironmental conditions detected by the sensors 114 (e.g., if anenvironmental condition meets or is beyond a first threshold defined inan environmental condition rule). The display 116 of the illustratedexample is used by the monitoring manager 104 to output a visual warningto inform the user 108 of the environmental conditions detected by thesensors 114 (e.g., if an environmental condition meets or is beyond afirst threshold defined in an environmental condition rule). The warningissued by the monitoring manager 104 via the speaker 206 and/or thedisplay 116 may allow the user 108 to take actions to prevent orsubstantially reduce damage to the mobile device 102 due to theenvironmental conditions detected by the monitoring manager 104.

The messenger 208 of the illustrated example is used by the monitoringmanager 104 to notify third-parties (e.g., the service provider 110, theemergency responder 112, etc.) of the environmental conditions detectedby the monitoring manager 104 (e.g., if one or more environmentalconditions meet or are beyond a threshold defined in one or moreenvironmental condition rules). The notification sent to the thirdparties by the messenger 208 of the illustrated example includesinformation describing the environmental conditions affecting the mobiledevice 102 and/or information describing processes or operationsperformed by the mobile device 102 in response to detecting one or moreenvironmental conditions that meet or are beyond one or more thresholds.In some examples, the messenger 208 includes a geographic location(e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates, a street address, etc.) ofthe mobile device 102 with the notification. The monitoring manager 104may determine the location of the mobile device 102 using any suitablemethod(s) (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)). In some examples,the monitoring manager 104 notifies the service provider 110 of severeenvironmental conditions and the service provider 110 uses thenotification information to determine warranty information and/orequipment service contracts for the mobile device 102. In some examples,the monitoring manager 104 notifies the emergency responder 112 ofsevere environmental conditions when the severe environmental conditionspresent a potential health risk to the user 108 of the mobile device 102(e.g., when an explosive atmosphere or hazardous chemicals are detectedby the monitoring manager 104). In some examples, the monitoring manager104 provides a prompt to the user 108 via the display 116 to allow theuser 108 to select to notify the emergency responder 112 of the severeenvironmental conditions. In some examples, the emergency responder 112responds to the severe environmental conditions notification bydispatching emergency services to the location of the mobile device 102to provide assistance to the user 108.

The defensive controller 210 of the illustrated example is used by themonitoring manager 104 to prevent and/or substantially reduce damage tothe mobile device 102 from the environmental conditions detected by themonitoring manager 104 (e.g., if one or more environmental conditionsmeet or are beyond one or more thresholds defined in one or moreenvironmental condition rules). The defensive controller 210 of theillustrated example allows the mobile device 102 to performself-protecting procedures to prevent and/or substantially reducefurther damage. In some examples, the defensive controller 210 decreasesprocessor speeds at the mobile device 102 and/or shuts down the mobiledevice 102 in response to environmental conditions that the monitoringmanager 104 determines could adversely affect the mobile device 102.

The defensive elements 120 of the illustrated example are used by themonitoring manager 104 to prevent and/or substantially reduce damage tothe mobile device 102 due to the environmental conditions detected bythe monitoring manager 104 (e.g., if one or more environmentalconditions exceed one or more thresholds defined in one or moreenvironmental condition rules). The defensive elements 120 of theillustrated example include different processes, devices, seals, and/orcoverings configured to protect the mobile device 102 against damagefrom environmental conditions that the monitoring manager 104 determinescould adversely affect the mobile device 102.

While an example manner of implementing the example mobile device 102 ofFIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2, one or more of the elements, processesand/or devices illustrated in FIG. 2 may be combined, divided,re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way.Further, the example sensors 114, the example monitoring manager 104,the example database 202, the example outputs 204, the example speaker206, the example display 116, the example messenger 208, the exampledefensive controller 210, the example defensive elements 120, and/or,more generally, the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 may beimplemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination ofhardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of theexample sensors 114, the example monitoring manager 104, the exampledatabase 202, the example outputs 204, the example speaker 206, theexample display 116, the example messenger 208, the example defensivecontroller 210, the example defensive elements 120, and/or, moregenerally, the example mobile device 102 could be implemented by one ormore circuit(s), programmable processor(s), application specificintegrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s))and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), etc. When any ofthe system or apparatus claims of this patent are read to cover a purelysoftware and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the examplesensors 114, the example monitoring manager 104, the example database202, the example outputs 204, the example speaker 206, the exampledisplay 116, the example messenger 208, the example defensive controller210, and/or the example defensive elements 120 are hereby expresslydefined to include a tangible computer readable storage device orstorage disc such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/orfirmware. Further still, the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 mayinclude one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to,or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 2, and/or may include more thanone of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

Flowcharts representative of example machine readable instructions forimplementing the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 are shown in FIGS.3, 4, and 5. In these examples, the machine readable instructionscomprise a program for execution by a processor such as the processor602 shown in the example computing device 600 discussed below inconnection with FIG. 6. The program may be embodied in software storedon a computer readable storage device or storage disc such as a CD-ROM,a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a memoryassociated with the processor 602, but the entire program and/or partsthereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than theprocessor 602 and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware.Further, although the example program is described with reference to theflowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 5, many other methods ofimplementing the example mobile device 102 may alternatively be used.For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/orsome of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

As mentioned above, the example processes of FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 5 may beimplemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readableinstructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storage device orstorage disc such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-onlymemory (ROM), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), acache, a random-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage media inwhich information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended timeperiods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/orfor caching of the information). As used herein, the term tangiblecomputer readable storage device or storage disc is expressly defined toinclude any type of computer readable storage and to exclude propagatingsignals. Additionally or alternatively, the example processes of FIGS.3, 4, and/or 5 may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g.,computer readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computerreadable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-onlymemory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, arandom-access memory and/or any other storage media in which informationis stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods,permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or forcaching of the information).

A flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions forimplementing the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3.The mobile device 102 monitors environmental conditions to determine ifthe environmental conditions could adversely affect performance and/oroperation of the mobile device 102, and to provide alerting and/orresponses related to the environmental conditions. Initially, thesensors 114 collect data associated with environmental conditions in anenvironment (e.g., the environment 106 of FIG. 1) in which the mobiledevice 102 and the user 108 of FIG. 1 are located (block 302). Thedatabase 202 stores the environmental condition data (block 304).

The monitoring manager 104 compares the environmental condition data toone or more environmental condition rules (block 306). For example, themonitoring manager 104 analyzes environmental condition data collectedby the sensors 114 to determine if environmental conditions in theenvironment 106 surrounding the mobile device 102 may adversely affectperformance and/or operation of the mobile device 102. The monitoringmanager 104 determines if the environmental condition data meets or isbeyond a threshold defined in a corresponding environmental conditionrule (e.g., the monitoring manager 104 determines if the rule has beenviolated) (block 308). If environmental condition is not at or beyondthe threshold defined in a corresponding environmental condition rule(block 308), control returns to block 302, and the sensors 114 continueto collect environmental condition data. If the environmental conditionis not at or beyond the threshold defined in a correspondingenvironmental condition rule (block 308), the monitoring manager 104executes an alert and/or defense via the outputs 204 (block 310). Thealerts and/or defenses are defined in the corresponding environmentalcondition rule and may differ based on the type and/or severity of theenvironmental condition. In some examples, the monitoring manager 104provides an alert by outputting a warning via the speaker 206 and/or thedisplay 116. In some examples, the monitoring manager 104 performsdefense procedures (e.g., self-protecting procedures) by slowing downprocessor speeds or shutting down the mobile device 102 via thedefensive controller 210. In some examples, the monitoring manager 104implements one or more defensive procedures by activating one or morethe defensive elements 120. In some examples, the monitoring manager 104provides one or more alerts by notifying a third party (e.g., theservice provider 110 of FIG. 1, the emergency responder 112 of FIG. 1,an emergency contact, etc.) of the environmental conditions via themessenger 208. Once the monitoring manager 104 has executed an alertand/or defense at block 310, the monitoring manager 104 determineswhether to continue monitoring the mobile device 102 (block 312). If themonitoring manager 104 determines not to continue monitoring the mobiledevice 102 (block 312) (e.g., if the mobile device 102 is shut down oris shutting down), the process of FIG. 3 ends. If the monitoring manager104 determines to continue monitoring the mobile device 102 (block 312),control returns to block 302 and the sensors 114 continue to collectenvironmental condition data. Otherwise, the example process of FIG. 3ends.

A flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions forimplementing the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 to monitor for apresence of liquids is shown in FIG. 4. Initially, the sensors 114collect data associated with monitoring for the presence of liquids incontact with the mobile device 102 (block 402). For example,liquid-monitoring data may be collected by the sensors 114 located atdifferent locations on the mobile device 102. The database 202 storesthe liquid-monitoring data collected by the sensors 114 (block 404) andis passed to the monitoring manager 104 for analysis.

In the illustrated example, one or more environmental condition rulesdefine that any amount of detected liquid is unacceptable (e.g., athreshold value is zero). In the illustrated example, environmentalcondition rules used by the monitoring manager 104 define that if anexternal liquid is detected (e.g., if liquid is detected outside of aport of the mobile device 102), the monitoring manager 104 is to providean alert and/or is to seal the ports of the mobile device using theoutputs 204. The environmental condition rules define that if aninternal liquid is detected at a port (e.g., if liquid is detectedinside of a port of the mobile device 102), the monitoring manager 104is to provide an alert via the outputs 204. The environmental conditionrules define that if an internal liquid is detected at the electroniccomponents of the mobile device 102, the monitoring manager 104 is toprovide an alert, is to send a third-party notification, and is to shutdown the mobile device 102 using the outputs 204.

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the liquid-monitoring datacollected by the sensors 114 indicates the presence of external liquid(block 406). For example, external liquid is liquid in contact with anexternal surface of a housing of the mobile device 102. If an externalliquid is not detected, control proceeds to block 412. If an externalliquid is detected (block 406), the monitoring manager 104 outputs afirst-level warning (block 408) via, for example, the speaker 206 and/orthe display 116. For example, a first-level warning may involve themonitoring manager 104 providing an alert “I'm getting wet.” Themonitoring manager 104 seals the one or more ports of the mobile device102 via the defensive elements 120 (e.g., a seal swells or is otherwiseactuated to close the ports) (block 410).

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the liquid-monitoring datacollected by the sensors 114 indicates the presence of internal liquidat the one or more ports of the mobile device 102 (e.g., liquid incontact with one or more ports) (block 412). If an internal liquid atthe one or more ports is not detected, control proceeds to block 416. Ifan internal liquid is detected at the one or more ports of the mobiledevice 102 (block 412), the monitoring manager 104 outputs asecond-level warning (block 414) via, for example, the speaker 206and/or the display 116. For example, a second-level warning may involvethe monitoring manager 104 providing an alert “I'm getting wet inside.”

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the liquid-monitoring datacollected by the sensors 114 indicates the presence of internal liquidat internal electronic components of the mobile device 102 (e.g., liquidin contact with internal electronic components) (block 416). If aninternal liquid at the internal electronic components is not detected,control proceeds to block 424. If an internal liquid is detected at theelectronic components of the mobile device 102 (block 416), themonitoring manager 104 outputs a third-level warning (block 418) via,for example, the speaker 206 and/or the display 116. For example, athird-level warning may involve the monitoring manager 104 providing analert “My electronics are now wet, I'm shutting down.” The monitoringmanager 104 sends a shutdown notification to the service provider 110via the messenger 208 to inform the service provider 110 that the mobiledevice 102 was exposed to liquids and is shutting down (block 420). Themonitoring manager 104 instructs the defensive controller 210 to shutdown the mobile device (block 422) and the process of FIG. 4 ends.

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether to continue monitoring(block 424). For example, if a user or service provider has selected anoption to not continue monitoring, the monitoring manager 104 determinesthat it should not continue monitoring. If the monitoring manager 104determines at block 424 that it should continue monitoring, controlreturns to block 402. Otherwise, the process of FIG. 4 then ends.

A flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions forimplementing the example mobile device 102 of FIG. 2 to monitortemperature is shown in FIG. 5. Initially, the sensors 114 collect dataassociated with monitoring temperatures of the mobile device 102. Forexample, temperature data may be collected by the sensors 114 located atdifferent location on the mobile device 102. The database 202 stores thetemperature data collected by the sensors 114 (block 504).

In the illustrated example, one or more environmental condition rulesdefine that particular temperatures detected by the sensors 114 are notacceptable (e.g., a threshold value is set to 90° Fahrenheit (F)). Inthe illustrated example, environmental condition rules used by themonitoring manager 104 define that if an external temperature is toohigh (e.g., if the temperature detected outside of a port of the mobiledevice 102 exceeds 90°), the monitoring manager 104 is to provide analert and/or is to activate heat-dissipating fibers using one or more ofthe outputs 204. Some example environmental condition rules define thatif an internal temperature at the display 116 is too high (e.g., if thetemperature detected at the display 116 of the mobile device 102 exceeds90°), the monitoring manager 104 is to provide an alert via one or moreof the outputs 204. Some example environmental condition rules definethat if an internal temperature detected at the electronic components ofthe mobile device 102 is too high (e.g., if the temperature detected atthe electronic components of the mobile device 102 exceeds 90°), themonitoring manager 104 is to provide an alert, is to send a third-partynotification, and is to shut down the mobile device 102 using one ormore of the outputs 204.

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the temperature datacollected by the sensors 114 indicates an external temperature is toohigh (block 506). If an external temperature is not too high, controlproceeds to block 512. If an external temperature is too high (block506), the monitoring manager 104 outputs a first-level warning (block508) via, for example the speaker 206 and/or the display 116. Forexample, a first-level warning may involve the monitoring manager 104providing an alert “I'm getting hot.” The monitoring manager 104activates heat-dissipating fibers (e.g., raises syntheticheat-dissipating hairs) via the defensive elements 120 to dissipate heatfrom the mobile device 102 (block 510).

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the temperature datacollected by the sensors 114 indicates an internal temperature at thedisplay 116 that is too high (block 512). If an internal temperature atthe display 116 is not too high, control proceeds to block 518. If aninternal temperature at the display 116 is too high (block 512), themonitoring manager 104 outputs a second-level warning via the speaker206 and/or the display 116 (block 514). For example, a second-levelwarning may involve the monitoring manager 104 providing an alert “Toohot, slowing down.” The monitoring manager 104 slows down processing atthe mobile device 102 via the defensive controller 210 (block 516).

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether the thermal data collectedby the sensors 114 indicates an internal temperature at internalelectronic components of the mobile device 102 is too high (block 518).If an internal temperature at internal electronic components of themobile device 102 is not too high, control proceeds to block 526. If aninternal temperature at the electronic components of the mobile device102 is too high (block 518), the monitoring manager 104 outputs athird-level warning via the speaker 206 and/or the display 116 (block520). For example, a third-level warning may involve the monitoringmanager 104 providing an alert “My electronics are too hot, I'm shuttingdown.” The monitoring manager 104 sends a shutdown notification to theservice provider 110 via the messenger 208 to inform the serviceprovider 110 that the mobile device 102 became too hot and is shuttingdown (block 522). The monitoring manager 104 instructs the defensivecontroller 210 to shut down the mobile device 102 (block 524) and theprocess of FIG. 5 ends.

The monitoring manager 104 determines whether to continue monitoring(block 526). For example, if a user or service provider has selected anoption to not continue monitoring, the monitoring manager 104 determinesthat it should not continue monitoring. If the monitoring manager 104determines at block 526 that it should continue monitoring, controlreturns to block 502. Otherwise, the process of FIG. 5 then ends.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 600 capableof executing the instructions of FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 5 to implement theexample mobile device 102 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2, and/or, more generally,the example system 100 of FIG. 1. The processor platform 600 can be, forexample, a server, a personal computer, an Internet appliance, a set topbox, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 600 of the instant example includes a processor612. For example, the processor 612 can be implemented by one or moremicroprocessors or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer.The processor 612 includes a local memory 613 (e.g., a cache) and is incommunication with a main memory including a volatile memory 614 and anon-volatile memory 616 via a bus 618. The volatile memory 614 may beimplemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM)and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatilememory 616 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desiredtype of memory device. Access to the main memory 614, 616 is controlledby a memory controller.

The processor platform 600 also includes an interface circuit 620. Theinterface circuit 620 may be implemented by any type of interfacestandard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB),and/or a PCI express interface.

One or more input devices 622 are connected to the interface circuit620. The input device(s) 622 permit a user to enter data and commandsinto the processor 612. The input device(s) can be implemented by, forexample, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball,isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One or more output devices 624 are also connected to the interfacecircuit 620. The output devices 624 can be implemented, for example, bydisplay devices (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tubedisplay (CRT), etc.). The interface circuit 620, thus, typicallyincludes a graphics driver card.

The interface circuit 620 also includes a communication device such as amodem or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal computers via a network 626 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, adigital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, coaxial cable, acellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 600 also includes one or more mass storagedevices 628 for storing software and data. Examples of such mass storagedevices 628 include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact diskdrives and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives. The mass storage device628 may implement a local storage device.

The coded instructions 632 of FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 5 may be stored in themass storage device 628, in the local memory 613, in the volatile memory614, in the non-volatile memory 616, and/or on a removable storagemedium such as a CD or DVD.

Examples disclosed herein enable electronic devices to monitorenvironmental conditions affecting the electronic devices and to respondwhen such environmental conditions impact performance and/or operabilityof the electronic devices. Examples disclosed herein enable electronicdevices to identify negative environmental conditions, to alert users ofthe electronic devices of such negative environmental conditions, todefend against additional or further negative impact on the mobiledevices due to the environmental conditions, and/or to alert otherparties of such negative environmental conditions.

Although certain example methods, systems, apparatus, and articles ofmanufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of thispatent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers allmethods, systems and articles of manufacture fairly falling within thescope of the claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining, by executing aninstruction with a processor, whether environmental condition datacollected by a plurality of sensors of a mobile device complies with anenvironmental condition rule, the environmental condition rule includingenvironmental thresholds associated with the environmental conditiondata, the environmental condition data representative of externalconditions; when the environmental condition data does not comply withthe environmental condition rule: determining, by executing aninstruction with the processor, a level of severity of at least one ofthe external conditions which does not comply with the environmentalcondition rule, the level of severity based on a magnitude of the atleast one of the external conditions associated with the collectedenvironmental condition data; and in response to determining the levelof severity does not satisfy a severity threshold indicative of themobile device immersed in liquid, informing a user of the mobile deviceof the at least one of the external conditions; and in response todetermining the level of severity satisfies the severity thresholdindicative of the mobile device immersed in liquid, sealing the mobiledevice via a defensive element to protect the mobile device from thedetected environmental condition, the defensive element configured toswell to protect the mobile device; and in response to determining thelevel of severity satisfies the severity threshold, sending anotification of the at least one of the external conditions to a serviceprovider of the mobile device to inform the service provider of the atleast one of the external conditions absent input from the user of themobile device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whetherthe environmental condition data complies with the environmentalcondition rule includes comparing the environmental condition data to atleast one of the environmental thresholds defined in the environmentalcondition rule.
 3. The method of claim 1, further including sending anotification of a location of the mobile device and the at least one ofthe external conditions to an emergency responder.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising performing a self-protecting proceduredefined in the environmental condition rule to protect the mobile devicefrom the at least one of the external conditions.
 5. The method of claim4, wherein the performing of the self-protecting procedure includes atleast one of adjusting a processing capability of the mobile device orshutting down the mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining of the level of severity includes determining whether the atleast one of the external conditions presents a potential health risk tothe user.
 7. The method of claim 1, further including automaticallyshipping a new mobile device to a shipping address associated with theuser in response to determining the level of severity satisfies theseverity threshold.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the defensiveelement includes one or more seals or coverings.
 9. A mobile devicecomprising: a plurality of sensors; a processor; and memory includingmachine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to perform operations including: determining whetherenvironmental condition data collected by the plurality of sensors ofthe mobile device complies with an environmental condition rule, theenvironmental condition rule including environmental thresholdsassociated with the environmental condition data, the environmentalcondition data representative of external conditions of the mobiledevice; when the environmental condition data does not comply with theenvironmental condition rule: determining a level of severity of atleast one of the external conditions which does not comply with theenvironmental condition rule, the level of severity determinedcorresponding to the magnitude of the at least one of the externalconditions associated with the collected environmental condition data;in response to determining the level of severity does not satisfy aseverity threshold indicative of the mobile device immersed in liquid,initiating transmission of a message to inform a user of the mobiledevice of the at least one of the external conditions; in response todetermining the level of severity satisfies the severity thresholdindicative of the mobile device immersed in liquid, sealing the mobiledevice via a defensive element to protect the mobile device from thedetected environmental condition, the defensive element configured toswell to protect the mobile device; and in response to determining thelevel of severity satisfies the severity threshold, initiatingtransmission of a message to inform a third-party of the at least one ofthe external conditions absent input from the user of the mobile deviceand determining whether the at least one of the external conditionspresents a potential health risk to the user.
 10. The mobile device ofclaim 9, wherein the determining of whether the environmental conditiondata complies with the environmental condition rule comprises comparingthe environmental condition data to at least one of the environmentalthresholds defined in the environmental condition rule.
 11. The mobiledevice of claim 9, wherein the initiating transmission of the message toinform the user comprises outputting a warning associated with the atleast one of the external conditions via at least one of an audiomessage or a display.
 12. The mobile device of claim 9, wherein theinitiating transmission of the message to inform the third-partycomprises sending a notification of the at least one of the externalconditions to an emergency responder and a location of the mobiledevice.
 13. The mobile device of claim 9, wherein the initiatingtransmission of the message to inform the third-party comprises sendinga notification of the at least one of the external conditions to aservice provider of the mobile device.
 14. The mobile device of claim 9,wherein the operations further comprise performing a self-protectingprocedure defined in the environmental condition rule to protect themobile device from the at least one of the external conditions.
 15. Themobile device of claim 9, wherein the performing of the self-protectingprocedure comprises at least one of adjusting a processing capability ofthe mobile device, shutting down the mobile device to prevent damage tothe mobile device from a liquid.
 16. A tangible computer-readable mediumcomprising instructions that, when executed, cause a processor toperform operations comprising: determining whether environmentalcondition data collected by a plurality of sensors of a mobile devicecomplies with an environmental condition rule, the environmentalcondition rule including environmental thresholds associated with theenvironmental condition data, the environmental condition datarepresentative of external conditions; when the environmental conditiondata does not comply with the environmental condition rule: determininga level of severity of at least one of the external conditions whichdoes not comply with the environmental condition rule, the level ofseverity based on a magnitude of the at least one of the externalconditions associated with the collected environmental condition data;in response to determining the level of severity does not satisfy aseverity threshold indicative of the mobile device immersed in liquid,initiating transmission of a message to inform a user of the mobiledevice of the at least one of the external conditions; in response todetermining the level of severity satisfies the severity thresholdindicative of the mobile device immersed in liquid, activating adefensive element to protect the mobile device from the detectedenvironmental condition; and in response to determining the level ofseverity satisfies the severity threshold, sending a notification of theat least one of the external conditions to a service provider of themobile device of the at least one of the external conditions absentinput from the user of the mobile device.
 17. The tangiblecomputer-readable medium as defined in claim 16, wherein the initiatingtransmission of the message to the user comprises outputting a warningassociated with the at least one of the external conditions via at leastone of an audio message or a display to inform the user of the mobiledevice of the at least one of the external conditions.
 18. The tangiblecomputer-readable medium as defined in claim 16, wherein the initiatingtransmission of the message to inform the third-party comprises sendinga notification of the at least one of the external conditions to anemergency responder and a location of the mobile device.
 19. Thetangible computer-readable medium as defined in claim 16, furtherincluding in response to determining the level of severity satisfies theseverity threshold, determining whether the at least one of the externalconditions presents a potential health risk to the user.